Eckstein cleared of theft allegations

December 11, 2012News Extra

Butler County Commissioner Jim Eckstein has been cleared of allegations he committed theft of services.

County District Attorney Richard Goldinger said the state attorney general’s office notified him that criminal charges would not be filed against Eckstein.

Eckstein was accused earlier this year of stealing county resources for political purposes in the form of a four-page document outlining his argument for buying a building rather than construct one to address office space needs.

The “Eckstein Report” also covered other topics while criticizing the two Republican commissioners. Eckstein is the sole Democrat on the board.

He maintained his innocence when Goldinger forwarded the allegations to the state, an option the district attorney can use in avoiding a potential conflict of interest.